ACTIVE ADULTS & SENIOR LIVING
constant supervision. An ALC offers its residents assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and keeping track of medications. They often have centers for medical services, but typically do not offer the extensive medical services provided by a nursing home. An ALC is not a substitute for a nursing home, but rather is a stepping stone between complete independence and service provided by a nursing home. Often, an ALC will create an individualized service plan for seniors upon admission, detailing personal services that will be provided to the resident. This plan is period-ically reviewed and updated to provide the correct care each resident receives. Housing in an ALC may be studio or one- bedroom apartments with small kitchen facilities. Typically, ALC housing units have group dining facilities and common areas where residents gather to enjoy social and recre-ational activities. The first impression of an Assisted Living Community is the most important. What do you see when you get out of the car? How do they take care of the lawn? What is your first impression of the staff? Are the residents properly dressed? How’s the lighting inside the buildings? What activities are available? Are staff members all in the same uniform? Scrubs are not appropriate for an Assisted Living Community, but name tags are important. NURSING CARE FACILITIES A Nursing Care Facility (NCF) is a state licensed, private-care facility that provides 24-hour skilled hospital care for residents who do not require hospitalization but cannot be cared for at home. Also called Long Term Care Facilities, the majority of nursing homes are staffed by caring, trained persons who provide an excellent level of service for their residents. It pays to shop around when selecting a NCF. Seniors should consult with a trusted doctor or health care practitioner for recom-mendations of nearby facilities. Plan on visiting at least four
or five area facilities, and make an appointment with the adminis-trator or director of nursing. Check to make sure that information provided is consistent with information gathered during the facility tour. Discrepancies between provided infor-mation and your own observations indicate possible problems later on. A nursing care facility should have clean floors, and a clean smell. Facilities with dirty floors and a sour smell do not put a high priority on cleanli- ness, and should not be considered. Ask to see the compliance survey report prepared by the State of Arizona on the considered facility. The report will list defi-ciencies found in resident care during routine inspections, and the facility’s effort to correct the problem. Under Arizona law, nursing homes must make this and other survey compliance reports available upon request. Another option available is to call the Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Licensing at 602-364-2690. While state law may prohibit agency employees from recom-mending one facility over another, they can answer the following recommended ques-tions about any such facility: • Have there been any proposed license terminations in the past two years?
license termination?
The answers to these questions, combined with observations and impressions made during facility tours and staff interviews will ease the task of selecting the right nursing care facility. ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE FACILITIES Residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia need specialized care. Assisted Living Facili- ties offer services and separate facilities for residents with early onset symptoms, but because of the progressive nature of the disease, it may become necessary to transfer the resident to another facility that can provide more appropriate care. Facilities specializing in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia should provide a treatment plan that takes into account not only the resident’s medical needs, but also the needs of the entire family with social services and professional consultations and individualized treatment reviews. Emphasis within the facility should be placed on providing a calming, soothing environment that is sensitive to the needs of the patient.
PHOENIX:
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES Arizona Traditions (D.R. Horton Homes) 17221 N. Citrus Rd., Surprise 85374 623-584-2520; www.azthoa.net The age restriction is 55+ at this smaller adult community located at the foot of the White Tank Mountains, about 33 miles northeast of Phoenix. While this as a smaller adult community, it enjoys many of the amenities of larger communities, including a golf course and club house, fitness center, swimming pools, clubs and interest groups. Life keeps getting better when you’re 55 in Estrella. CantaMia offers 14 single-story home plans, each with three architectural styles that result in a beautifully composed neighborhood. An assortment of custom-ized options will allow you to personalize your
• How many complaints have been filed in the past year?
• How many complaints in the past year have been found to be valid?
• How many deficiencies have been cited in the past two years?
• How many “quality of care” violations have been cited in the past two years? • When did ADHS last visit the facility, and what was the purpose of the visit? • Has the owner of this facility had other facilities recommended for
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